In India, mobile phones that don't have a unique International Mobile Equipment Identity (IMEI) number will likely have had their service disconnected. The disconnection is in response to a government directive which, for security reasons, banned all mobile phones that don't have valid IMEI numbers.

It's estimated that the ban has hit millions of people in India, especially those who are currently using phones from countries such as China and Taiwan. You can read more here.

Here are some of the options you have if you've lost your mobile connection:

- SMS a valid 15 digit IMEI number to 53232.

- Visit an authorised GII center and pay Rs. 199 for a valid IMEI number.

I'm guessing most of these people will be lost without their mobiles!